Hestan Vineyards Stephanie Merlot 2016
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Beautiful black fruit and dried red fruit. Dried bing cherry and clove. Great dried fruit notes. Sweet pipe tobacco and tar. A wonderful example of how complex and exciting the 2016 vintage is.
Palate: Long and rich with good acid. Will be a great food wine.
83% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Other Vintages
2015-
Wine
Enthusiast
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.